Are two AC units necessary?

[Elanabug]

We live in NC and camp a lot in the south. We are wanting to purchase a Jay Flight 32BHDS. We see that some of these listed for sale have 30 amp, one AC unit, others have 50 amp, 2 AC units. Anyone out there with experience in the size Jayco we are looking at that camps in the heat of the summer? Would one unit just not be enough? TIA.

[chasfenwick]

Based on my six years of camping experience with three different RV's, two with one AC and one with two, I would strongly advise you to avoid any unit with only one AC.

[54GFL]

At a minimum, make sure it is 50amp and pre-wired for a second unit. Our friends have that same camper with a single unit, and they say it does ok (but they have the option to go to a second unit). We bought a Forest River Vibe 308BHS with 2 units, and I'm so glad it has the second. We live in FL, and camp throughout the southeast. One is in the main living area (ducted), the second in the bunkhouse (not ducted). So to answer your question, get 2 if you can, at least make sure its prewired for when you want a second down the road!


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[Vaquero]

Two

[clarche]

Originally Posted by chasfenwick

Based on my six years of camping experience with three different RV's, two with one AC and one with two, I would strongly advise you to avoid any unit with only one AC.

X2
It gets stinky hot down here in the south. Once the temperature reaches 90, these lil shoe boxes get really warm. What's really bad is when the condenser freezes up from trying in vain to keep the camper cool and then you're really screwed!! Don't sell yourself short and get two units. I been there done that got the sweaty t-shirt!


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[54GFL]

Originally Posted by clarche

X2
It gets stinky hot down here in the south. Once the temperature reaches 90, these lil shoe boxes get really warm. What's really bad is when the condenser freezes up from trying in vain to keep the camper cool and then you're really screwed!! Don't sell yourself short and get two units. I been there done that got the sweaty t-shirt!


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Agreed...also, when/if one does freeze up, the world doesn't end, as you've got at least a second unit to fail over to, to keep things from getting miserable.

[Elanabug]

Thanks for the input!

[TWP723]

FWIW..


Last year, we camped in Ocean City, Md. during the hottest August week on record. 105 with a real feel of 115. The one unit I had on my Eagle kept up with the heat. I know..I know..but it did. Needless to say, we were very impressed.

[Elanabug]

WOW!! That's impressive!

[clarche]

Originally Posted by TWP723

FWIW..


Last year, we camped in Ocean City, Md. during the hottest August week on record. 105 with a real feel of 115. The one unit I had on my Eagle kept up with the heat. I know..I know..but it did. Needless to say, we were very impressed.

Depends highly on your level of comfort. I like my unit set to 72. Not sure that can be accomplished in that heat you experienced.


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[54GFL]

"better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it" applies here

[clarche]

Originally Posted by 54GFL

"better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it" applies here

Especially if one goes out! You have a backup. A small price to pay for a potential nightmarish camping experience.


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[TWP723]

Originally Posted by clarche

Depends highly on your level of comfort. I like my unit set to 72. Not sure that can be accomplished in that heat you experienced.


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Avg temp was 71.

[TWP723]

The heat was so oppressive, I was sweating standing still at 8am.


We'll be going again the 3rd week of August. We'll see how hot it gets this year. AND maybe, I'll make a video.

[clarche]

I need that a/c unit for my house!


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[joelbjr]

Purchased a 37 RLBH this year with only a single A/C and it is just not cutting it. System came pre-wired for a second AC and we are having it added in. So far our camping has been in GA with daily temps ranging from 84 to 95.

[Dustdevil]

MY experience of high temps, with humidity, is at the Colorado River in late August/early Sept, and the temps are usually between 105 and 120, with about 60-70% humidity. My old 26 ft toy hauler had one 13.5 air conditioner, and it was adequate if we placed form-fitted Reflectix covers on all the windows and skylight. It worked well, even if it took a couple of hours to get it cold (70-73 or so). Just left it on day and night.

Now, with the 34 ft Class C, we have two a/c units, and I'm glad we do. Cools faster, and stays cool without running the compressors 24/7. When we bought the motorhome, we made Reflectix covers for the windows. I had it out at the river last Sept 1 at 115 in the afternoon, and it was very cool inside. Remained easily at 73 all afternoon, and did not run as much at night. The compressors cycled far less often as the old toy hauler, and the whole unit seemed much happier with the arrangement. I also added Reflectix to the air boxes on both AC units before we did the trip, and they work like a champ. There's a thread on that here on this forum somewhere.

[Elanabug]

With 3 big kids and 2 dogs I think we'd be wise to go with the 2 AC unit! Thanks!

[Dustdevil]

Originally Posted by Elanabug

With 3 big kids and 2 dogs I think we'd be wise to go with the 2 AC unit! Thanks!

With 32 feet and all that body heat inside on a hot day, that's likely to prove a good choice.

[norty1]

The 2nd ac is the cheapest one you will ever have. We have 2 -15k btu units

Hardly ever run them both except in the heat of the day and when we first set up. They are worth every penny.